Humans often get things backwards, to the point of being comical.

 

Case in point, the little story in the book of Jonah, about the plant God provided for the prophet’s shade.

 

You’ve heard about Jonah and the great fish, of course. As a prophet and evangelist, God had sent him there to preach and when the people repented…Jonah was mad!

 

He sat looking over the city after God had spared it and because it was hot, God provided a plant that grew up to provide relief from the sun for Jonah. But then the plant withered and died and the heat was so intense, Jonah wished himself dead.

 

But in that, God had a lesson for him. And for us.

 

Colossians 2:6–7 says, "So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness."

 

We don’t always have the compassion for people that we should. Our bitterness takes root. We should learn instead to plant healthy roots of love and compassion for all people.

 

Let’s pray.

 

Lord, we are too often like Jonah. Help us to always remember that you have been merciful to us, and so we pray your mercies for everyone else. Amen.